Kenya, once considered a safe haven for refugees, is now being criticized by rights groups for becoming hostile towards those seeking protection from political persecution and war.
Recent incidents, such as the abduction of Turkish refugees in Nairobi by masked men, have raised concerns about Kenya’s treatment of refugees. The Turkish refugees, recognized by the UN, were deported at the request of the Turkish government on treason charges.
This move has led to accusations that Kenya is violating the legal principle of „non-refoulement“ by forcibly returning individuals to countries where they may face persecution.
The deportations have drawn international attention, with reports that top intelligence officials from the US and UK raised the issue with President William Ruto during their recent visit to Nairobi.
Kenya’s refugee commissioner declined to comment on the expulsions, but a senior foreign ministry official acknowledged the government’s dilemma in balancing diplomatic relations with humanitarian concerns.
Despite its history as a peaceful and stable country, Kenya is facing criticism for its treatment of refugees, with rights groups expressing fears that the country is becoming increasingly unsafe for those fleeing persecution.
Various cases, including the abduction of Ugandan opposition supporters and the disappearance of Rwandan human rights defender Yusuf Ahmed Gasana, have highlighted concerns about Kenya’s treatment of refugees and asylum seekers.
With more than 800,000 refugees living in Kenya, organizations like the Refugee Consortium of Kenya are working to protect vulnerable individuals who fear arrest, charges, or extradition.
The fate of the deported Turkish nationals remains uncertain, but their case has raised questions about Kenya’s handling of refugees and asylum seekers.
Kenyan officials have been criticized for not following proper procedures and for potentially endangering the safety of refugees and asylum seekers.
The chair of the Interreligious Council of Kenya has called for better protection of refugees, emphasizing the importance of ensuring their safety and well-being.
Kenya’s international reputation has been tarnished by these incidents, and experts suggest that the government should have involved the UN refugee agency to avoid criticism and uphold its commitment to protecting refugees.
„Wir können nicht rückgängig machen, was wir getan haben“, sagte er.
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